Hobby horse

What it is

A hobby horse is a costumed character featured in traditional seasonal customs and processions across various cultures. It typically consists of a horse's head attached to a frame or stick, worn or carried by a performer who may be concealed by cloth. These figures appear in England, France, Belgium, and Indonesia, serving as central elements in local festivals. In England, they are strongly associated with May Day celebrations, mummers' plays, and Morris dancing. The figures range from simple wooden heads on poles to elaborate structures that mimic a rider on a horse. They function as symbols of luck and entertainment within community gatherings.

Where it comes from

The word hobby derives from Middle English hobyn, referring to a small or ambling horse. It connects to Old French terms like hobin and haubby, which likely originated from English rather than the reverse. The term is linked to the nickname Hobin, a variant of Robin, traditionally given to cart-horses. This naming convention persisted into the seventeenth century, with similar names like Dobbin also becoming generic terms for work horses. The practice of using these figures in dance dates back to at least the sixteenth century, with visual evidence appearing in stained glass and paintings from that era.

Tools and materials

Construction varies by region and type. Tourney horses use wooden heads, circular frames, and caparisons. Sieve horses rely on farm sieves and horse blankets. Mast horses utilize wooden heads or actual horse skulls mounted on sticks. Masks and tall pointed hats hide the performer's face. Materials include shiny black fabric, ribbons, horsehair tails, and painted wood. Some versions incorporate fake legs or boat-shaped frames. The tools serve to create the illusion of a living animal or rider, allowing the performer to interact with the crowd.

What it is for

Hobby horses are believed to bring good luck to the communities that perform them. In Minehead, their visits were thought to ensure prosperity. In Wales, the Mari Lwyd participated in luck-bringing rituals during house-visiting. The figures also serve as entertainment and spectacle, drawing crowds during festivals. They act as focal points for community identity, with rival groups supporting different horses. The performances often involve playful interactions, such as capturing participants or challenging households with songs, reinforcing social bonds and festive spirit.

Who does it

The hobby horse is enacted by individual performers or small groups of dancers. In the UK, performers are often men, though women have occasionally taken roles. They are trained through local tradition and participation in folk dance teams. In some regions, children construct smaller versions called Colt 'Osses. Performers must master the physical demands of carrying heavy frames or manipulating mechanical heads while dancing. They are supported by musicians and attendants who provide music and manage the procession. The role requires skill in movement and interaction with the audience.

Peoples and places

The custom is prominent in the United Kingdom, particularly in Cornwall, Somerset, Devon, and Wales. Padstow and Minehead in England host famous May Day festivals featuring these horses. In France, the Danse du Baiar occurs in Esquièze, while Belgium features the Ommegang de Termonde. Indonesia incorporates flat horse silhouettes into its dance traditions. The Welsh Mari Lwyd is specific to south-east Wales, and the Manx Laair Vane belongs to the Isle of Man. Each culture adapts the form to local tastes, varying the materials, size, and accompanying rituals.

When it is done

Hobby horses appear during specific seasonal times. May Day is the primary occasion in England, with processions occurring on May Eve and throughout the first days of May. Christmas and New Year feature customs like the Hodening in Kent and the Laair Vane in the Isle of Man. The Mari Lwyd is active during New Year house-visits. Some traditions, like the Hunting of the Earl of Rone, occur on Ascension Day or Spring Bank Holiday. The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, originally a Christmastime custom, now takes place in September. These timings align with agricultural cycles and festive periods.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Folklorists study hobby horses as remnants of ancient pagan rituals or medieval carnival traditions. Violet Alford noted the near-extinction of the Hodening custom in 1952. Scholars trace the link between hobby horses and Morris dancing through historical records and art. The association suggests a deep-rooted connection to ritual dance. Researchers examine the evolution of the figures, noting how modern revival teams adapt historic forms. The study of etymology helps clarify the linguistic history of the term. Anthropologists view the performances as expressions of community identity and social cohesion.

Compare and confuse

Hobby horses are related to other folk figures like the Wild Horse and the Hooden Horse. They share similarities with the Mari Lwyd, which uses a horse skull and sheet. The tourney style resembles medieval jousting imagery. In contrast, the mast horse focuses on the animal itself rather than a rider. Indonesian versions differ significantly with flat silhouettes. The term hobby horse is distinct from stage magic illusions, focusing instead on live performance and folklore.

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Good reading and sources

• Processional giants and dragons in Belgium and FranceUNESCO, Heritage listing

• Hobby horse on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data